Quick Picks with Coach Rick Bowe, CBB Picks, CBB Free Picks, CBB Predictions 1/31/26

Quick Picks with Coach Rick Bowe, CBB Picks, CBB Free Picks, CBB Predictions 1/31/26

OLE MISS @ VANDERBILT (VAN -10.5, 149.5)

CBB ODDS, CBB PREDICTIONS, CBB PREVIEWS

COACH RICK CBB PREVIEWS

REBELS @ COMMODORES 1/31/26

The Ole Miss Rebels (11-9, 3-4 SEC) travel to Nashville to take on the No. 18 Vanderbilt Commodores (18-3, 5-3 SEC) in a pivotal SEC clash today at 6 p.m. Vanderbilt enters this matchup as a heavy favorite, looking to maintain their top-tier status in the conference, while Ole Miss is desperate to snap a two-game skid and find some offensive consistency.

Vanderbilt is currently playing like a top-5 team in the country, evidenced by their #3 overall ranking in BartTorvik’s power ratings. While they had a brief three-game stumble earlier this month, they have rebounded with absolute authority, crushing Mississippi State by 32 points and Kentucky by 25 points in their last two outings. Their offensive efficiency is elite, ranking 5th nationally, and they face an Ole Miss defense that has struggled to contain high-level SEC scoring.

Ole Miss has lost two straight and is struggling with offensive identity. Chris Beard has experimented with 10 different starters this season. Beard moved AJ Storr to a bench role to provide a temporary spark, but the Rebels lack the consistent perimeter shooting (34.7%) to keep up with a Vanderbilt team that shoots 36.8% from deep and plays at a much faster tempo (71.3 Adj. Tempo vs. 65.5 for Ole Miss). Vanderbilt’s ability to take care of the ball (6th nationally in turnover rate) ensures they won't give Ole Miss easy transition opportunities.

While Vanderbilt has a high-powered offense, their defense has been the story of their recent resurgence. They held Kentucky to just 55 points and Mississippi State to 56. Ole Miss is an "offensively challenged" group that relies heavily on self-creation from Storr and Malik Dia. If Vanderbilt’s disruptive defense (ranked 8th in efficiency) can contain the Rebels, Ole Miss will struggle to reach the 70-point mark.

Statistically, both teams have trended toward the Under recently. They are a combined 11-1 to the Under in their last 12 games. Ole Miss will likely try to slow the tempo to limit Vanderbilt's possessions, and given Vanderbilt's recent defensive dominance, a high-scoring shootout seems unlikely. Vanderbilt's size advantage in the backcourt and their ability to force 13.7 turnovers per game should keep the Rebels' scoring in check.

Vanderbilt is 10-1 at home this season. The statistical mismatch is glaring: Vanderbilt ranks in the top 15 nationally in both offensive and defensive efficiency, while Ole Miss sits outside the top 75 in both categories.

Vanderbilt’s Tyler Tanner is playing at an All-American level, averaging 17.5 points and 5.2 assists. Even with injuries to Frankie Collins and Duke Miles, the Commodores haven't missed a beat, utilizing Tyler Nickel (19 points in the last game) and Devin McGlockton (12 rebounds) to overwhelm opponents. Ole Miss is bottom-three in the SEC in both offensive and defensive rebounding, which should allow Vanderbilt to control the glass and the game's flow entirely.

Vanderbilt ranks 6th in the nation in turnover rate (13.5%). Ole Miss relies on forcing turnovers to fuel their offense, but Vanderbilt’s disciplined backcourt led by Tanner rarely gives the ball away. Don’t forget that the Commodores shoot 76.3 percent from the free throw line and they are excellent at drawing fouls. Finally, take a look at the Adjusted Net Rating for both teams - Vanderbilt +28.5 (12th) and Ole Miss +11.98 (73rd). 

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FREE PICK: VANDERBILT -10.5

After going 0-3 SU and ATS, Vandy rebounded with two straight wins and two straight covers. The offense (89.6 ppg, 12th) continues to roll, but the defense has really tightened up, holding Mississippi State to 56 and Kentucky to 55. The Ole Miss offense will be the weakest unit on the court tonight. The Rebels are 2-6 SU in their last 8 road games and they are just 2-7 as an underdog this season. Last year, Vandy was a 1.5-point home favorite against the Rebels. This is probably Chris Beard’s weakest Ole Miss team and the books are telling you Vandy is that much better. Vandy has a +16.5 average scoring margin this season and that number rises to +22.6 at home.

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